For as long as I can remember, I’ve longed for the “old mom.” One who was five, ten, even fifteen years ahead of me on this journey. One who could explain how she navigated, puberty, medication, and anxiety with her child. One who could help me understand marriage.

One who would tell me it’s going to be okay.

I am the “old mom” now.

Hi.

My name is Carrie.

I am married to a man named Joe. We have five kids, and our second son Jack is diagnosed with autism.

Jack is twenty. He is currently in a college program.

As an author and blogger, I write about our journey alongside autism from diagnosis day to life after high school.

Free subscribers have access to

• New essay every Monday

• Daily video and notes

• Live interviews

Paid subscribers receive all free content plus

• New resource article and video every Friday. Strategies that worked for us – and those that didn’t! – on topics such as marriage, anxiety, medication, college programs, emotional regulation, creative writing, and more.

• Sneak peeks at new drafts and book projects

• Q&As, community conversations, and occasional interviews with other specialists in the the community

What readers say

“I remember a story Carrie told about the time Jack was in a grocery store, and about the look on a young girls face before and after recognizing that Jack was different. I will forever be aware of my reaction, and interaction with people with disabilities because of her stories. She has a gift of bringing her readers into her, and her family’s world.” Linda Quirion Lessard

“As a grandmother of an autistic 7-year old girl, I have learned so much from Carrie over the last two years! Carrie has a way with words and a sparkly personality to go with it. She carries the heaviness of the autism world with much grace and dignity, and you can truly see how much she loves her family. Her heart and soul are very apparent in her work.” Janet E Carr

“Carrie’s words resonate in me in ways I have felt all along but could not put into words. Raw yet compassionate and makes me feel we are not alone.” Claire Phelan Holloway

“You have given us such hope for our grandson. Your vulnerable story gives families such hope in developing a plan long term for their children.” Lynn Lynch

“Carrie’s writing and love for her family is good for my autism mom heart. I look forward to her writing and live videos to help my family navigate this messy world with our 18-year old son.” Jennie Jeter Trueblood

“Carrie has so eloquently shared her family through the hard, exhausting, messy, and joyous beauty this life is. She exudes hope and inspiration to all moms and families who at times can only see darkness. Jack is an inspiration and I, like so many of Carrie’s followers are so very proud of the man he has become.” Ka Tie

“Carrie does not waste a single word. Her ability to choose the exact words that complement her story are a testament to how we all relate to the Cariello family.” Randy Allen

As always, thank you for seeing a piece of yourself inside our story.

There is no manual when it comes to this life of ours. Sometimes, we have to write our own.

All we can do is learn from each other.

It’s going to be okay.